Page 49 of Not Safe For Work

He brought me lunch when I was too busy prepping for my demo, coffee multiple days in a row, and every morning when I wake up, there’s a new picture of Churro waiting for me on my phone.

The texts are probably my favorite, especially the “hedge-hugs,” but maybe it’s just their juxtaposition to the other texts I keep getting. The ones from Tristan that are far from innocent.

Theyare the reason I begged Andie to get happy hour today. She and I have both been so busy this week, we’ve barely had time to catch up, and I desperately need her advice.

My Sunday night chat with Tristan hasn’t deterred him at all. In fact, it’s only seemed to fuel the fire. The texts he sends me have gotten more explicit each day this week.

“I don’t understand. How did Tristan get your number?” Andie asks. We just sat down on the patio at B Bar and immediately ordered two dozen oysters and a bottle of rosé.

I cringe, thinking about what Tristan told me. “I think it was my mom. She was under the impression that we’re friends.”

“Creepy,” Andie says, cringing right along with me. “All right, let me see them.” She reaches for my phone.

“Okay, but just a disclaimer. I’ve been trying to respond as neutrally as I can, just so I don’t offend him, you know?”

“Okaaaay.” She drags out the word and snatches the phone from my hands. And then, as expected, her eyes bulge.

“Olivia!” She whisper-yells. “You sound like a freaking Teletubby. What the hell is this?”

I shrug, while simultaneously chewing my cheek so hard that it bleeds. Our waitress comes by with the wine and I thank her with full sincerity.

“I just didn’t know what to say.”

She slides the phone closer to me. “The angel face emoji? Really?”

I take a huge glug of wine and slump down in my chair. Then I look through the messages again.

Tristan Cross:

When can I see you in that black dress again?

And when can I see you out of it?

Me:

Wow

*blushing face emoji*

I still have a boyfriend

Tristan Cross:

Have those plans started to bore you yet? Because I promise I can keep you up all night screaming my name

Me:

Oh my

Tristan Cross:

I’m a generous man, Olivia. Especially in the bedroom. Let me find out how many times I can make you come

Me:

Umm no thank you *angel face emoji*

I push the phone back to her, not wanting to read the rest.